Vesta

The ghost town of Vesta was initially known as Springvale. What remains of it can be found in Elderslie Township, Bruce County, along the Brant-Elderslie and Brockton Townline.

The area began as a small community of farmsteads in approximately 1856. Three years later Robert Cannon and his family arrived from Leeds County and built their home here. In addition to a home, Cannon constructed a general store that he opened in 1860. As with many general stores, it also served as the local post office. When the post office opened, the settlement took on the name of Vesta. Robert Cannon took the position of postmaster for almost four decades, until 1896.

Benjamin Cannon, younger brother to Robert, became the reeve for the township of Brant for part of 1879.

Between 1870 and 1880 Vesta saw a growth spurt as more settlers arrived in the area. The settlement now contained a small store run by W.A. Stevens, Thomas Blakeway the local carpenter, Thomas and John Fortune’s sawmill, Methodist and Roman Catholic churches, school, tavern, and general store operated by Thomas Sheehan. Two known teachers, according to town records, were Jonathan Leggett and Pascho Saunders. David Reid served as the cooper.

William McGill was the local carriage-maker and William Blakeley the blacksmith.

It is of interest to note that the majority of the businesses were located on the Elderslie side of the road, while the Brant side served as farm land.

When the lumber supply began to run low in the early 1900’s, the mill closed resulting in a decline in the population. The post office closed in 1909.

Today the school is the only remaining building, it can be found 2km south of Vesta. The area is now used by Amish farmers.

Vesta, or what remains of Vesta, is located in Elderslie township, Bruce County. The Vesta United Church pioneer cemetery is found on Lot 15, Concession 1. Take highway 3 South through the town of Paisley until you reach Concession 18. Turn east until you reach Sideroad 15. A large blue sign erected by the Women’s Institute will welcome you to the pioneer town of Vesta.